No. 25-ranked Tennessee, with Joe Milton III at quarterback, had high expectations ahead of the 2023 college football season. Some anticipated that could include a run at the College Football Playoff.
However, both Milton and the Vols both came up short with a four loss campaign leading to a spot in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Despite being ranked by most experts as the 10th- to 12th-best QB prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, Milton elected to opt out to prepare for the next level
Enter former 5-star recruit Nico Iamaleava, who will make his first start against the nation’s No. 3 scoring defense in 20th ranked Iowa.
Here’s a look into what to know about Iamaleava as he looks to make a strong first impression in his first extended playing time against quality competition.
Nico Iamaleava age
Nicholaus Iamaleava was born on Sept. 2, 2004, in Long Beach, California. The 19-year-old attended both Warren High School in Downey, California and football powerhouse Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach.
Despite his age compared to some other college quarterbacks around the country and those he’s in the room with, what he brings to the table and his immense level of success in high school speaks for itself.
Senior offensive lineman Cooper Mays had plenty of positive things to say about what Iamaleava has shown throughout bowl game preparation, taking the reins after Milton opted out.
“He has been the guy all throughout bowl prep,” Mays said. “He has done well for himself. Like coach (Joey Halzle) said, he does not really handle himself like a young guy. We have had a few weeks here to gel and come up and give him a chance to get ready for the game. He has done a really good job, and he has done the best he can with it.”
How he performs in a full game against a top-flight defense will give excited Tennessee fans a good idea of what to expect in the next era of Vols football
